With proper consideration and expert advice from certified endocrinologist, a dietitian, a nurse educator, and mental health professional, collectively known as the diabetes team, proper treatment can ensure effectiveness and convenience for those diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetes is clinically identified as the state with which the body excretes a substance in amounts more than the average, most common of which is the diabetes mellitus. This type refers to either the problem in the body’s insulin production (Type 1) or insulin absorption (Type 2) which results to excess sugar in the body. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating sugar level and absorption in the cells.

The general factors that trigger diabetes are heredity, immunological damage to the pancreas or virus infections. Treatment varies from such factors as the patient’s blood glucose profile, age, and type of diabetes correspond to different treatments, although the usual medication starts with oral drugs.

Oral Diabetic Medication

For NIDDM or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, known as Type 2 diabetes, would usually prescribe metformin and second-hand sulfonylureas. These improve insulin sensitivity and decreases hepatic glucose production and intestinal absorption of glucose. However, adverse reactions are also noted for using oral medication such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal bloating, taste perversion and anorexia. However, when the effect ceases insulin therapy may be administered by the diabetes team.

Insulin Detemir

Switching from oral medication to insulin detemir would definitely be based on previous medication and sound consideration of your endocrinologist. Insulin determir aids in controlling blood sugar level and glucose metabolism through the binding of insulin receptors, inhibiting the liver’s release of glucose and the facilitating of muscle and fat’s cellular uptake. Through subcutaneous injection (under the skin), insulin detemir is injected either once or twice a day depending on the patient’s glucose level, and may also come in insulin cartridges and vials.

As categorized earlier, when there is a rejection of the insulin excreted by the pancreas, sugar accumulates in an abnormal level in the blood. This non-absorption of insulin may lead to diseases such as kidney failure, diseases of the heart and blood vessels and may further lead to pancreatic failure, in which case the diabetes patient needs to be injected with insulin.

In such cases that the patient under insulin detemir medication experiences symptoms such as those listed below, the medical expert should be notified immediately.

• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels
• Weight gain or loss of appetite
• Sodium retention
• Rash
• Injection site reactions
• Lipodystrophy
• Pruritus
• Seizures
• Shakiness and sweating
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

An important reminder for patients, among others, is to never reuse or borrow any syringes or needles. Properly dispose them while those in stock should be stored in the refrigerator, but should never be frozen. Several reminders should also be observed by the patients as well:

The solution should be colorless and has no visible particles before administering them.

Regularly check glucose level so as to avoid hyperglycemia and/or hypoglycemia.

Hard candies, glucose tablets, or any other quick sources of simple sugar are good to carry around in case of hypoglycemia.

Never stop or change the amount of dosage without consulting a doctor.

Before planning pregnancy, a woman should again consult with a doctor first.

For diabetes patients, switching from oral medication to insulin detemir might cause another change in daily routines or habits. However, health is of primary importance and should be followed once prescribed.

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